The bride is the daughter of David and Wanda Williford of Mount Olive. She is the granddaughter of Lossie Witherington and the late Lloyd Witherington of Mount Olive and Becky Martin and the late Rayford Martin of Grantham.

The groom is the son of Floyd and Shirley Thornton of Dudley. He is the grandson of the late Lloyd and Dorothy Smith and the late Miliford and Annie “Louise” Thornton of Four Oaks.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore a white matte satin strapless A-line gown with a three-tiered pleated band along the neckline. The princes-line gown was embellished with re-embroidered Alencon lace appliqués and accented with seed pearls and sequins. The back had streamers decorated with matching Alencon lace appliqués and cascaded down to a chapel-length train.

For her headpiece, she chose a tiara of enamel flowers, fresh water pearls and rhinestones with a two-tiered fingertip-length pencil-edged veil. She carried a hand-tied bouquet of stargazer lilies, white roses, white daisies and stephanotis.

Ann Mills, friend of the bride, was matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Crystal Williford of Goldsboro, sister-in-law of the bride, and Crystal Scrufari of Goldsboro, friend of the bride.

Keith and Tyler Thornton were their father’s best men. Groomsmen were Bryan Thornton, brother of the groom; Brad Mills, friend of the groom; and Scott Williford, brother of the bride.

Honorary best man was Floyd Thornton, father of the bride.

Amber Turnage, daughter of the bride, and Kaylie Mills, friend of the bride, were flower girls. Tyler Mills, friend of the groom, was ring bearer.

Amy Witherington directed the wedding. Presiding at the register and distributing programs was Rhonda McIntosh, cousin of the bride.

A program of wedding music was provided by Phyllis Lewis, organist, and Ron Sutton and Courtney Lanier, vocalists.

After a wedding trip to the mountains, the couple is residing in Mount Olive.

The bride is a 1997 graduate of Southern Wayne High School. She is employed as a secretary with Goldsboro Milling Co.

The groom graduated from Southern Wayne High School in 1991. He is employed as a territory manager with Green Guard First Aid Sales and Service.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the church fellowship hall. Tony and Carolyn Thornton of Four Oaks greeted guests.

The groom’s parents held a rehearsal dinner April 15 at the church fellowship hall.

On April 9, Rhonda McIntosh, cousin of the bride, held a pantry shower at the home of Wanda Williford.

Crystal Scrufari, Crystal Williford and Ann Mills held a bachelorette party April 8.